RETURNED SOLDIERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10296, 3 June 1919, Page 7

RETURNED SOLDIERS

CONFERENCE CONCLUDES. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH. June 2. At the Returned Soldiers’ Conference to-day the chairman said ho had received notice of a motion that conference should resent the ambiguity ot the .“Gazette ’ notice relating to the suing of returned soldiers tor debt, and should express the opinion that tile reference tnat returned men needed protection in this direction was distinctly discreditable. In discussion it was pointed out that the regulation was likely to be a boomerang measure, like tho prohibition of distraining on returned soldiers for rent. Ultimately it was decided that the executive should take legal advice, and watch carefully the effect of all regulations or legislation dealing with legal processes.

The general secretary reported that there was a surplus of £IOOO accumulated canteen funds from the Treuthaui and other camps, and the Minisicr for Defence had for a recommendation. The executive suggested that the funds should form the nucleus ol a pension fund for dependents of soldiers who died during the epidemic, and were not otherwise eligible lor pensions. This was agrebd to.

The finance committee estimated the income for the incoming year at £3750, and the expenditure at £3883 15s. A motion to ask the Government to set up a Commission to inquire into the question of employing permanently disabled men ia Government departments and other industries was carried. On Mr McCallum’s motion xt waa decided to increase -the -headquarters levy to 4s, half to be paid back to the district committees tor organisation purposes, . The conference concluded ■ shortly after 11 o’clock.